Preparing for my first BP and his living area!

[Scruffy]

Hi all!

This is my first post on the forums, but I've been lurking for a while reading various care sheets and tips etc.

What I'm trying to do is to have my setup complete before I purchase my BP to make sure the temps are ok and that it wont be problematic.

From what I've gathered from this and many other sites, these are the things i'm looking to purchase over the next couple days:

10 Gallon glass tank with a clasp lock on the top (they have these at my local pet store)

2 accurite thermometers from walmart

2 UTH's (still not sure which one or where I will get these from)

2 half coconut hides (i like the way they look and they have them locally)

1 water dish heavy enough to not be tipped over

I will probably use paper towel for substrate until I am sure my BP has no mites and is settled.

Probably a branch or something "foresty" just for looks and maybe for him to climb on

I was also considering putting some sort of paper over the 2 sides and back of the tank to give the BP a more "closed" environment.

My main questions though were these:

Was there anything on my list that is absolutely necessary that I didn't add?

What kind of UTH sources can I purchase locally?

How complicated is it to setup a Flexwatt heat source to the thermostat and apply it to the cage?

Any other tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Calift]

Hi all!

This is my first post on the forums, but I've been lurking for a while reading various care sheets and tips etc.

What I'm trying to do is to have my setup complete before I purchase my BP to make sure the temps are ok and that it wont be problematic.

From what I've gathered from this and many other sites, these are the things i'm looking to purchase over the next couple days:

10 Gallon glass tank with a clasp lock on the top (they have these at my local pet store)

2 accurite thermometers from walmart

2 UTH's (still not sure which one or where I will get these from)

2 half coconut hides (i like the way they look and they have them locally)

1 water dish heavy enough to not be tipped over

I will probably use paper towel for substrate until I am sure my BP has no mites and is settled.

Probably a branch or something "foresty" just for looks and maybe for him to climb on

I was also considering putting some sort of paper over the 2 sides and back of the tank to give the BP a more "closed" environment.

My main questions though were these:

Was there anything on my list that is absolutely necessary that I didn't add?

What kind of UTH sources can I purchase locally?

How complicated is it to setup a Flexwatt heat source to the thermostat and apply it to the cage?

Any other tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Other people will give you better advice....but here's my 2-minute suggestions:

-No coconut hides....ball pythons don't really like them anyway. Get some of the rectangular ones from one of the big reptile dealers online or the exo-terra ones. I don't think you need two UTH...unless one malfunctions, but you definitely need a thermostat. That is vital!! Paper towel is not a bad substrate, but check it often. If it does get wet- the water will get absorbed throughout the entire sheet- and lead to an unhappy ball python. I use a decorative place-mat (looks like bamboo sticks) on the top of my vivs to keep humidity in. But I guess that depends on where you live too.

Not sure if you mentioned this, but where do you plan on getting your bp?? (please don't say petco...lol )

[Scruffy]

Noted on the coconut hides, and the paper towels will just be temporary.

I've been looking online at various sites to buy BPs from but I didn't want to mention them on here, not sure if that is against TOS or anything.

I am looking to get a Pastel or a Mojave though

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

You only need one UTH. These can be found at just about any pet store but online they are probably cheaper. A thermostat which the UTH plugs into is a must have. This will prevent the UTH from overheating. The hides.. The biggest reason the coconut hides are not very good is they are very porus. They will absord moisture and grow mold very quickly if your BP spills its water. Try the plastic ones or do like some members here have and just pick up some small plastic cereal bowls from a dollar store. Cut a hole in each one and there you go. When your BP no longer fits in its hide and the hide looks more like hat on your BPs head, just buy a bigger bowl and do it again. Just remember. Tight fitting hides are best. your looking good on the rest. Dont forget a spray bottle to mist the tank. And you will probably want to use something to cover most of the lid to hold in humidity and heat.

Your list looks good for a first time owner. Just dont forget the thermostat to control the UTH.

[Kaorte]

I would say the coconut hides are fine but your snake will quickly outgrow them.

I would go with something a little easier on the wallet. I use plastic bowls with an entrance cut out as hides. I get 4-6 for $1 so it is a great deal.

Depending on your house temps, you should only need one UTH. If your room gets colder than 70*F, get two UTHs. I prefer the zoomed heat mats. I get mine from the local chain pet stores or local reptile shows. Flexwatt is basically the same thing as a UTH except it gets much hotter and is sold by the foot at a very low cost. For a single setup, you might as well go with UTHs.

When using any kind of under tank heater, you absolutely need a thermostat. The reptitemp 500r is the cheapest option but is really only available online. If you plan on using two UTHs, then you also need a dimmer to keep the cool side lower than the hot side.

You only need one accurite weather station for a single setup with one UTH. Get two if you are going to use two heat mats.

If you want to get some kind of decoration, go with fake plants. They help make the tank feel less "open" for the snake which will make him feel more secure. They don't really climb all that often.

Paper towels are my favorite substrate. Easy to clean, easy to spot messes and widely available. I use them for all my animals.

Paper over the back and sides of the tank is a good idea.

[Scruffy]

Awesome, sounds like this may be cheaper than I had originally thought!

I'll have to stop by my local store and see if they have any UTHs. If not i'll just buy online then.

As for covering the top of my tank, can I just use saran wrap on the lid?

Also, how often can I expect to be able to handle my BP after he/she is acclimated? Does it depend on them? I've been reading and it seems like some snakes are really calm while others are just....snippy constantly. Is it something that can be taught to them?

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

Its recommended to let let the BP settle for a week before feeding or handling. They may cruise around the tank the first few days and this is a sign of stress. When they are being more relaxed and spending most of their time hiding and sleeping then they are more comfortable with their new home.

No handling at least 48 hours after they eat. Handle for short periods of time in a calm and gentle way. BPs really shouldnt be nippy unless its a baby with a great feeding response. Or if you put your hand in there and wave it near their face. They usually ball up when afraid. Babies more than adults. It doesnt take them long to get use to your scent and know you are not a threat.

[dc4teg]

Hi all!

This is my first post on the forums, but I've been lurking for a while reading various care sheets and tips etc.

What I'm trying to do is to have my setup complete before I purchase my BP to make sure the temps are ok and that it wont be problematic.

From what I've gathered from this and many other sites, these are the things i'm looking to purchase over the next couple days:

10 Gallon glass tank with a clasp lock on the top (they have these at my local pet store)

2 accurite thermometers from walmart

2 UTH's (still not sure which one or where I will get these from)

2 half coconut hides (i like the way they look and they have them locally)

1 water dish heavy enough to not be tipped over

I will probably use paper towel for substrate until I am sure my BP has no mites and is settled.

Probably a branch or something "foresty" just for looks and maybe for him to climb on

I was also considering putting some sort of paper over the 2 sides and back of the tank to give the BP a more "closed" environment.

My main questions though were these:

Was there anything on my list that is absolutely necessary that I didn't add?

What kind of UTH sources can I purchase locally?

How complicated is it to setup a Flexwatt heat source to the thermostat and apply it to the cage?

Any other tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Okay lets revise this to save some money

10 gallon is great for a hatching but outgrows quick but for now is good! Though they look better in tanks, tubs are cheap and great, but tanks are sexier imo

1 Accurite No real need for two because its only a 10 gallon

1 uth, so much better than lamps, when I made the switch my snake was way less stressed

1 thermostat, because you only have one heat source to control, dimmers work good if the room is constant! (I have the Reptitemp 500R and am satisfied for the price)

2 hides are the basic wants, I reccomend realistic plastic ones becuase they are easy to clean and disinfect, which means a healty snake.

If you do put a branch get a fake one or one sold at a petstore because anything in your yard could carry parasites.

Make sure you also have solution for cage cleaning before he arrives because its always a possibility that he will make a mess the day you get him and you will need to clean and disinfect his cage.

If you do make the decision to switch to wood substrate i pefer the bark not the aspen. I just pefer the darker look, looks more natural and the bark holds moisture way better than aspen.

Another thing you might want to consider is a couple of fake bushes and plants because they will want a cluttered cage so the feel hidden and secured!

Remember to have them housed in a room with low traffic especially in the first couple weeks to make sure the stress level is low.

Feel free to stick around and learn, one day you might just be writing this message to a person who is new in the python regius world!

[strangefamous]

So awesome to see another person doing their research before buying to make this beautiful animal as comfortable as possible. Grats on the new pet man. You will love him/her.

[Scruffy]

Thanks I'm really excited!